BMW's Z4 roadster has been lightly improved. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

BMW knows a thing or two about roadsters and this third generation Z4 is one of its best, especially in this improved form. It may not be the sharpest car in its class to drive but on the right day, in the right mood on the right road, you may not care. The engines are efficient and willing, the looks are stunning and the feeling you get behind the wheel still makes you feel twenty years younger. This, it seems, is a Z that might be very hard to catch.

Background

It took BMW some time to discover a profitable sweet spot in the roadster segment but the Munich maker got there in the end. Having first brought us an exclusive low volume model in this sector (the Z1 of 1989), the brand finally launched an affordable volume contender (the 'E36'-series Z3 of 1995). That sold well enough to be replaced by the slightly larger and more mature first generation 'E85'-series Z4 in 2002. Which itself was replaced by a second generation metal folding-roof 'E89'-series Z4 design in 2009. With the history lesson completed, let's acquaint you with what we're looking at here, a MK3 'G29'-series Z4 model launched in late 2018 after development shared with the new-era Toyota Supra. It claimed to be something its direct predecessor really wasn't and BMW sold 55,000 units globally in a diminishing segment before the light mid-term update that we profile for you here. As before, this Z4 sets out to be a really serious driver's car. And a really serious Porsche 718 Boxster rival. But is it a really serious roadster? Let's find out.

Driving Experience

There are no mechanical or handling changes for this updated Z4, but it's worth pointing out that the specification for the four cylinder Z4 20i now includes M Sport suspension and variable sport steering as standard. That 197hp TwinPower Turbo 2.0-litre model is now the only four cylinder Z4 you can have, the previous 258hp Z4 30i variant having been deleted. Still, the 20i is pretty rapid, making 62mph from rest in just 6.6s on the way to 149mph. At the top of the range, you can still have a traditional BMW straight-six unit, courtesy of the 340hp engine fitted to the flagship M40i derivative, which sprints to 62mph in 4.6s and has to be artificially restrained at 155mph. Both variants come fitted with an 8-speed Steptronic Sport auto gearbox with gearshift paddles. If you want a manual gearbox with the M40i, there's a special 'Handschalter' version to consider. On the 20i, you're probably going to want to pay extra for adaptive damping - only the M40i gets it as standard, along with uprated brakes and an electronically controlled differential lock. The way the suspension interacts with the steering, the throttle and the differential is key to the way this car responds dynamically, so proactive use of the provided drive modes is crucial if you're pressing on. Do that and you'll find that this car lacks the razor-sharp steering responses of a rival Porsche 718 Boxster, but the helm is quick and accurate, which in combination with superb front-end traction means that corners can be attacked with surprising confidence. Which is the kind of driving experience you'd want a proper roadster to be able to deliver. The fabric roof suits this car far better than the metal-folding top fitted to the pre-2018-era 'E89'-series version. It can be opened or closed in ten seconds at up to 31mph.

Design and Build

Changes to this updated Z4 are subtle, with a revised grille aiming to make the car look wider; and detail touches like smarter 18 or 19-inch wheels, exterior mirror caps in Cerium Grey and trapezoidal tailpipe trims for the exhaust. 'M Sport' trim is now a non-negotiable for the four cylinder version, which gets you three-section air intakes in the front apron, distinctive side-sill contouring and a rear apron with bold edging at either side. The side air intakes have been remodelled too. As before, hallmark Z4 exterior features include large air intakes, LED headlights with vertically arranged light sources and a long bonnet, which stretches over the wheel arches. And of course there's a fabric top, in contrast to the folding metal top of the pre-2018-era 'E89'-series version. This operates in around ten seconds and allows for the same amount of luggage space whether the roof is up or down (281-litres). In proper roadster style, there are no rear seats. There are no changes inside, so the same customisable screens for the fully digital instrument cluster and control display remain, both of which have a diagonal of 10.25-inches. The centre screen's functionality includes the BMW Maps navigation system, a hard-drive-based multimedia set-up, BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant voice control, smartphone integration and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The instrument panel is trimmed in stitched leather-like 'Sensatec'. And seat heating, a wind deflector, extended load-through storage, Park Distance Control with sensors at the front and rear, an automatically dimming rear-view mirror and two-zone automatic climate control all feature as standard.

Market and Model

Take a long deep breath before looking at the asking prices, which start at around £45,000 for the four cylinder Z4 20i M Sport and rise to just under £57,500 for the top six cylinder Z4 M40i - which also comes in manual 'Handschalter' form. Those premium figures do now include more equipment, notably with the 20i version the uprated 'M Sport' trim level you'd probably have wanted to stretch to anyway. That brings a smarter look and standard M Sport suspension. Plus 18-inch M light-alloy wheels in a double-spoke design (with 19-inch rims optional); and, inside, Vernasca leather upholstery, which can be specified in Black, Ivory White, Cognac or Magma Red. There are three new exterior metallic colour choices - 'Thundernight', 'Portimao Blue' and 'Skyscraper Grey'. And the fabric soft-top will continue to be offered in Anthracite Silver effect as an alternative to the standard black. New to the options list is the 'M lights Shadow Line' styling pack, which can be ordered in conjunction with optional Adaptive LED Headlights. The headlights' dark inserts help imbue the front end of the car with a discreetly sporting aura. And they form a neatly judged composition with the car's 'M high-gloss Shadowline exterior trim' which has extended elements. A host of state-of-the-art driver assistance systems come included: Front Collision Warning with brake intervention, Lane Departure Warning including lane return, and the Speed Limit Info function with no-overtaking indicator. Among the drive assist items on the options list are the Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function, Lane Change Warning, rear collision warning, crossing traffic warning, the Parking Assistant and the Reversing Assist Camera. Also available is the BMW Head-Up Display, which projects driving information onto the windscreen.

Cost of Ownership

These days, even barnstorming sports cars need to keep running costs in check while treating the environment with kid gloves. The Z4 does a better job of this than you'd credit for a car in such a lofty performance bracket, mainly thanks the BMW's EfficientDynamics programme. Thanks to this, assuming you keep an eye on the optimal gearshift indicator, you should be able to get somewhere close to a combined cycle fuel figure which for the four cylinder engine is quoted at up to 40.9mpg on the combined cycle and up to 157g/km of CO2. As for the six cylinder M40i model, well you're looking at up to 35.8mpg and up to 179g/km. For the manual 'Handschalter' M40i, it's up to 35.3mpg and up to 191g/km. Routine maintenance is dictated by 'Condition Based Servicing' that monitors oil level and engine wear, taking into account how long it's been and how far the car has travelled since its previous garage visit. To help plan ahead for the cost of regular work, at point of purchase you'll be offered a 'BMW Service Inclusive' package that lasts for three years and 36,000 miles. BMW offers a warranty that lasts for three years, no matter how many miles you complete.

Summary

For the magazines, the definition of success for this MK3 model Z4 continues to lie in whether it handles just like the equivalent Porsche Boxster. But for most potential owners, that won't be the over-riding priority. BMW has been building roadsters for over 80 years - and it shows with this third generation design, a model that's matured extremely well, slowly and methodically developing into an all-rounder that's tough to beat. In fact, I can't help feeling that this is probably the ideal car of its kind for most potential buyers. True, it isn't the driver's machine that its Porsche rival can be, but it gets close enough for many likely customers to start prioritising the lower pricing and nicer cabin that you get with this Munich model. What it all means is that though the Z4 might not be the first car you look at when choosing a sports roadster, look at it you must. It's now just too good not to.

Body Glass

Rain sensor

Heated windscreen washer jets

Fingertip control / anti-trap function on electric window

Windscreen wipers with adjustable interval

Green tinted heat protection glazing

Electric heated rear window

Brakes

Automatic Stability Control (ASC)

Cornering brake control (CBC)

Dynamic brake control

Dynamic Traction Control - DTC

Brake energy regeneration

Anti lock braking system (ABS) with brake assist

Braking readiness

Electromechanical parking brake with automatic drive away release and auto hold function

Dynamic stability control + (DSC+)

Dry braking

Front and rear brake discs with interior ventilation

M Sport brakes with blue calipers M designation in front

Carpets/Rugs

Front and rear velour floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

Adaptive M suspension

Drive performance control with ECO PRO comfort + sport mode

Double joint spring

Driver Aids

Speed limiter

Variable sport steering

Active Guard

Driver Convenience

Pull away assistant

Driver Information

Tachometer

Oil temperature gauge

Fuel gauge

Run flat indicator

Instrument cluster

BMW Teleservices

Optimum shift indicator

Condition based service

Oil sensor for level and grade, warning by check control system

Speedometer with mph readout

BMW ConnectedDrive online services

BMW Live Cockpit Professional with nav function/12.3" high resolution instrument +10.25" control display/Intelligent Voice Assist/2 USB/WiFi interface

iDrive touch controller with turn and press function

Language version English

Driving Mirrors

Exterior mirror housing finished in body colour

Embellishment Trims

Sensatec dashboard

Engine

High precision injection

Safety battery terminal clamp

Double VANOS

Fuel tank breather system

Entertainment

USB connection

DAB tuner

2x USB Type C ports in front centre console for charging and data transfer

2x USB Type C ports in rear centre console for charging

Exterior Body Features

Wind deflector

Tailgate release handle

Visible VIN plate

Front and rear bumper system with replaceable deformation elements

Model logo

Door sill strips

Lightweight engineering

Door sill finishers with M designation

Exhaust tailpipe - split left and right

Kidney grille in mesh design

Matt black window recess finisher

High gloss shadowline exterior trim

Rear boot

Exterior Lights

Reversing light

Welcome lighting

LED rear lights

LED Indicators

Automatic headlight beam throw control with load dependent regulating reaction, dynamic compensation of braking dive and acceleration squat

Follow me home headlight function

LED 3rd brake light

LED daytime driving lights

Two stage brake force display

Dynamic braking lights comprising activated hazard warning flashers

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Two zone automatic air conditioning

Microfilter and active carbon filter

Interior Features

Through load system

12V power point in luggage area

Front door armrests

Front centre armrest with 2 cupholders

Vernasca leather upholstery

12V power socket in front storage compartment

Height adjustable mechanically and infinitely variable steering column

Battery in luggage compartment

Additional storage compartment - 4 lashing eyes, strap and storage net

3 spoke M sport leather multifunction steering wheel

BMW ID

Interior Lights

Illuminated glovebox

Luggage compartment light

Activation of interior lighting

Packs

Connected package professional - Z4

Technology package - Z4

Interior and exterior mirror pack - Z4

Ambient lighting pack - Z4

M Aerodynamic pack - Z4

Safety

Warning triangle

Roll over protection

Two tone horn

Seat belt force limiter

Head airbags

Curtain airbags

Crash sensor

3 point front seat belts

BMW emergency call

M sport seatbelt

Deactivation of fuel pump in the event of a crash

Tyre pressure monitoring with three level warning strategy

Seat occupancy protection

Airbags - Front driver and passenger, front and side impact protection

Plastic fuel tank

Pyrotechnic seat belt tensioners

Seat belt stopper

Side airbags for driver and passenger

Seats

Front headrests

Driver and front passenger heated seats

Electrically adjustable front driver and passenger seats with memory

Child seat ISOFIX attachments for passenger seat

M Sport seats for driver and passenger

Single front passenger seat

Four way electrically adjustable driver and front passenger lumbar support

Security

Centre lock switch

Thatcham cat 1 remote alarm

Start/stop button with Comfort Go keyless engine start and auto Start/stop deactivation button

Electronic vehicle immobiliser

Closing system with central locking

Transmission

M Sport differential

Eight speed steptronic sport transmission, with gearshift paddles

Vanity Mirrors

Sunvisors with vanity mirrors and ticket pocket

Wheels

Reduced rolling resistance tyres

Wheels - Alloy

19" Double spoke alloy wheels in bicolour cerium grey - style 800M

Wheels - Spare

Tool kit

Tyre repair kit

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 168

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Noise Level dB(A): 69

CO: 0.0868

NOx: 0.0062

HC+NOx: N

Particles: 0.0002

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 269

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 177

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 157

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 170

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 180

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEL: 259

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEH: 275

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEL: 177

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEH: 183

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEL: 157

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEH: 159

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEL: 170

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEH: 175

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 180

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 180

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 82

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 94.6

CC: 2998

Cylinders: 6

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 24

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TWIN TURBO

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH

Compression Ratio: 11.0:1

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 8 SPEED

Engine Code: B58B30M1

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

EC Urban (mpg): 30.7

EC Extra Urban (mpg): 46.3

EC Combined (mpg): 38.7

WLTP - MPG - Low: 23.7

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 35.8

WLTP - MPG - High: 40.4

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 37.7

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 35.3

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 24.8

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 23.2

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 36.2

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 34.9

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 40.9

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 40.4

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 37.7

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 36.7

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 35.3

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 35.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 11.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 7.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 7.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 11.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 12.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 7.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 8.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 6.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 7.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 7.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 8

General

Coin Series: M40[Tech Pack]

Coin Description: i sDrive

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 38E

Service Interval Mileage: 18000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 97

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 87

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 91

NCAP Safety Assist %: 76

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 340

Badge Engine CC: 3.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

AdBlue: 0

Generation Mark: 3

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 4.5

Top Speed: 155

Engine Power - BHP: 340

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 250

Engine Power - RPM: 5000

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 369

Engine Torque - NM: 500

Engine Torque - RPM: 1600

Engine Torque - MKG: 51

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 255/35 R19

Tyre Size Rear: 275/35 R19

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 19" ALLOY

Wheel Style: DOUBLE SPOKE STYLE 800M

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4324

Width: 1864

Wheelbase: 2470

Width (including mirrors): 2024

Height: 1303

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1565

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1860

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 52

Max. Loading Weight: 295

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 281

No. of Seats: 2

Max. Roof Load: N

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): N

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11

Embellishment Trims

High gloss black interior trim

Mesh effect aluminium interior trim

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Individual paintwork

Hoods

Soft top - Anthracite silver with opening/closing function up to 30mph

Interior Features

Heated steering wheel

Packs

Comfort pack - Z4 M40i

Visibility package - Z4

Driving assistant package - Z4

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Black sapphire

Metallic - San remo green

Metallic - Portimao blue

Metallic - Thundernight

Metallic - Skyscraper grey

Metallic - San Francisco red

Paint - Solid

Solid - Alpine white

Paint - Special

Individual paint - Frozen grey

Trim - Leather

Vernasca leather - Magma red with decorative stitching

Vernasca leather - Ivory white with decorative stitching

Vernasca leather - Cognac with decorative stitching

Vernasca leather - Black with decorative stitching